COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 11) - Focus on the Family ministry founder James Dobson spoke in support Thursday of Mel Gibson and his film, "The Passion of the Christ," saying Gibson's drunken tirade during a traffic stop had nothing to do with "one of the finest films of this era."

Gibson, 50, was arrested for drunken driving Aug. 1 in Malibu, Calif., and launched an anti-Semitic rant toward the arresting deputy. Gibson reportedly said, "The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world," and asked him, "Are you a Jew?"

Dobson said in a statement that "we certainly do not condone that racially insensitive outburst," but added "Mel has apologized profusely for the incident and there the matter should rest."

"Mel has also indicated his willingness to seek help to overcome his alcoholism, and has asked the Jewish community for forgiveness," Dobson said. "What more can he do?"

Gibson has had a troubled relationship with Jewish organizations since his violent 2004 blockbuster about the crucifixion, which some criticized for portraying Jews as responsible for Jesus' death. Supporters, including Dobson, say the movie followed the Gospel story.

"Our endorsement of it stands as originally stated. We did not believe it was anti-Semitic in 2004, and our views have not changed," Dobson said

I respect James Dobson, but Mel Gibson has got serious problems not only with alcohol but with anti-Semitism. Dobson denying Mel's anti-Semitism doesn't make the situation go away. Certain folks will forgive and forget Gibson's outbursts. Some Jews may choose to forgive but not forget.

With some altsheimers in my family, many of us have discussed what it would mean to lose control like that and say and do things that would be absolutely the opposite of what we stood for when in our right mind.

I think everyone has thoughts that they suppress but fear would come up if they lost control. That is one of the terrible things about altsheimers

....and being slosh, smelly drunk.

10
posted on 08/12/2006 9:24:05 AM PDT
by xzins
(Retired Army Chaplain and Proud of It! Supporting the troops means praying for them to WIN!)

I think Mel has an identity crisis. On the one hand he's a family man with strict fundamentalist Catholic upbringing and tries to live by the Teachings, and on the other hand he's an artsy type of guy full of creative ideas and motives that may/m/not conflict with his "real" life.

Emotionally or mentally ill people shouldn't' make movies with such a profound impact on others who are ignorant enough to believe them . Passion was full of half truths and outright falsehoods . God and Jesus are Holy and Sacred . It is dangerous to add to or take away from the Bible . I would never watch such a film . I consider it blashemous .

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